Posted by Carl Plaskett on December 06, 2002 at 17:40:53:
In Reply to: MAZE/Chronic AF posted by Steve on December 06, 2002 at 14:28:56:
Steve: Is Dr. Tirone David going to do your procedure? I know he has done the maze, which is certainly a surgical procedure as opposed to an ablation. Perhaps he could shed some light on what type of ablations are being done in Toronto, and who might be doing admirable work there, if you could talk to him.
I would not worry about getting chronic afib, since most of us have been chronic or uncontrollable before we have undergone the Maze or an ablation. Long-term chronic is not good, and I don't believe a few months of it, should you become chronic, would affect the success of an ablation. The type of ablation and instruments used, along with the skill of the doctor will be the most determinant factor, I believe. The "older" type ablations may have more risk than the maze as far as stroke/stenosis are concerned. Just be CERTAIN that you are NOT getting an AV node ablation!
Keep us updated, and ask any questions which come to mind.